A periodontist is a dentist with specialized training in preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease. Periodontal disease is the advanced form of the condition that affects both the gums and the underlying bone. Gums support and protect natural teeth. This soft tissue also surrounds the jawbone that keeps teeth in place. The additional years of education focus on maintaining the health, function, and aesthetic of gum tissue and jawbone.

Periodontal Treatment Near Me

Advanced gum disease is a progressive health condition. It begins with gingivitis or mild gum inflammation. At this initial stage, the problem is reversible. Without medical attention, gingivitis can develop into periodontal disease, which is incurable.  Signs of this serious health threat include red, bleeding, swollen, or painful gum tissue. But keep in mind, some people experience no noticeable symptoms at all. That is just one more reason why you should keep up with regular visits to Valley View Dental.  Regular cleanings and exams go a long way in the fight against gum disease. The most effective way to treat oral health problems is to avoid them.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Gum disease starts with mouth bacteria. Plaque bacteria is at the root of inflammation and infection in the gums that surround teeth. This sticky substance can cause pain and irritation if left unremoved. Over time, the disease can reach the underlying bone, causing the gum to recede and the tooth to loosen. When this occurs, the only solution is maintenance procedures to safeguard your teeth and health overall.

For mild to moderate cases, your Stockton dentist will focus on curing the infection. Then we will provide at-home instructions for improving your dental hygiene routine. Sometimes root planing is needed to smooth out the rough surfaces below the gum line where bacteria thrive. We also perform deep scaling to remove plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth and gums. This treatment allows the soft tissues to heal so they can adhere better to tooth surfaces. When the disease has escalated further and the jawbone has significantly regressed, more extensive cleaning or surgery may be necessary. At this stage, we will likely extract any unsalvageable teeth.